David Cullinane (Waterford, Sinn Fein)
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958. To ask the Minister for Health if he explored extending the flu programme to the 50-64-year-old group first, rather than examining the benefits of an enhanced flu vaccine for the 65+ cohort; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [40096/23]

Stephen Donnelly (Wicklow, Fianna Fail)
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The National Influenza Vaccination Programme ensures that those most vulnerable to the effects of influenza have access to the flu vaccine, free of charge. By providing vaccination to those most at risk, and those most likely to require admission to hospital should they contract influenza, the programme aims to prevent, as far as possible, the need for influenza-related hospital admissions, as well as to reduce the overall spread of influenza in the community.

As part of the National Influenza Vaccination Programme, the flu vaccine is available to those aged 65 and over and individuals in specified at-risk groups.

To inform decision making in relation to the current Influenza Vaccination Programme, my Department requested that HIQA carry out a Health technology assessment (HTA) in relation to vaccination with an enhanced quadrivalent influenza vaccine for those aged 65 and older. In addition, my Department requested that HIQA carry out a HTA on the inclusion of the 50–64 year age group as an at-risk group in the influenza vaccination programme.

A HTA is a multidisciplinary research process that collects and summarises information about a health technology to provide information regarding clinical effectiveness and safety, cost-effectiveness and budget impact, organisational and social aspects, and ethical and legal issues. The information is collected and presented in a systematic, unbiased and transparent manner to inform policy decision making.

HIQA has now completed the HTA on the inclusion of the 50–64 year age group in the influenza vaccination programme and my Department is considering its findings. I am advised that HIQA has recently commenced the HTA in relation to an enhanced quadrivalent influenza vaccine for those aged 65 and older.